9. Can Patrick Mahomes master deep passing?
In recent years — without wide receiver Tyreek Hill — quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ effectiveness with deep vertical passes declined. With a new cast of downfield threats, there was hope Mahomes could get back to what he was doing earlier in his career.
The plan seems to be coming along. There has been an increase in explosive passes, but not all of them come from vertical plays downfield. The Chiefs have been using Worthy and Brown on horizontal routes like crossers to have them catch on the run and turn north.
Mahomes has been more aggressive as well. According to Next Gen Stats, Mahomes averages 8.1 intended air yards per attempt this year, tied for 17th of 36 quarterbacks. Last year, Mahomes had the third-lowest mark at 6.3 intended air yards per attempt. The increase shows the Chiefs are attacking downfield.
Thornton has been an upgrade over wide receiver Justin Watson as this team’s sacrificial deep-route runner. Worthy has improved on vertical routes. Against Buffalo, Brown was able to gain 4o yards on a deep corner route. Rice should get more vertical targets as he gets integrated back into the offense. The Chiefs’ ability to sprinkle in vertical passing has helped clear space for the offense.
